Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Mike Myers, Michael J. Fox, poutine, hockey, the Ryans (Gosling and Reynolds), Labrador retrievers, what do they all have in common? They’re beloved in The United States (OK, OK, poutine and hockey are debatable) and are all Canadian icons.

That’s right, America’s most popular breed (according to the American Kennel Club) an astounding 25 years in a row is the Labrador retriever, and that’s awesome. Not the French bulldog, German shepherd, American bulldog, or even Australian cattle dog. Nope, it’s the Labrador retriever.

These days, Labs are more often found hanging out with their families and are easily one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. They're as American as apple pie (with maple syrup).

Full disclosure, this writer is Canadian, eh? So, please allow me a moment to salute the Maple Leaf and the noble Labrador retriever. O Canada. Should you be looking to adopt a Labrador retriever, might I suggest Zamboni as a possible name?